Supporting Member for Supporting a Sealing of a Container

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a support member for supporting a sealing of a container, to a support system for supporting a sealing of a container, to respective containers and to a method for sealing a container. The support member 100 comprises an injection moulded support structure 110, including a first connecting means 112a; 112b adapted for connecting the support member 100 to a corresponding container 200, a first sealing face 114, and an opening 116 for accessing the sealed container 200 when the support member 100 is connected to the container 200. The support member 100 further comprises a first elastic member 120, wherein the first elastic member 120 at least partially covers the first sealing face 114, and wherein the first sealing face 114 is oriented so that the first elastic member 120 is sandwiched and deformed between the first sealing face 114 and the container 200, when the support member 100 is connected to the container 200.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of sealing containers, particularly liquid filled glass containers. Specifically, the present invention relates to a support member for supporting a sealing of a container, to a support system for supporting a sealing of a container, to respective containers and to a method for sealing a container.

BACKGROUND

For storing, transporting and/or processing goods, such as solids, liquids and/or gasses, oftentimes sealed containers are desirable, to prevent the stored goods from being spilled and/or contaminated.

Particularly desirable are containers that are reusable and/or recyclable. Still further, oftentimes it is required that the container provides a substantially inert surface for storing, transporting and/or processing the goods and thus allow for a very high product quality. In addition, it is also oftentimes required that the containers are transparent, e.g. to be able to determine the level of fill of the container easily.

For sealing said containers, e.g. foil seals are used which may comprise a metal foil or metal layer. Known foil seals may comprise additional layers, such as protective varnish layers, extrusion coatings, PET-layers, polyolefin foam layers, primer layers, adhesive layers and/or the like. Those foil seals are typically adhered to a respective container by means of induction sealing. However, depending on the stored goods, those foil sealed containers tend to leakage. This is in particular true, when being used for goods of low viscosity, such as liquids.

This is, as liquids are highly movable within the container and can easily reach the foil seal or even enter a sealing gap between the foil seal and the container, when the container is moved or stored in a respective orientation. Thus, the sealing between the foil seal and the container can be impaired or even destroyed due to chemical reactions. For example, a liquid reaching the sealing gap can cause crevice corrosion between the foil seal and the container, leading to leakage. In general, the sealing can be impaired by all goods that can reach the sealing. This may be solids provided as bulk material (e.g. powders, granulate, and/or the like), liquids and/or gasses.

Highly transparent containers, such as glass containers, containers of amorphous plastics and/or glass like plastics, such as COC, COP, and/or the like, or containers that provide for an inert inner surface, such as glass containers, ceramic containers or glass-ceramic containers oftentimes have low adhesive properties for adhering commonly used seals, such as foil seals.

This problem is even aggravated, particularly for glass containers, ceramic containers and/or glass-ceramic containers, as foil seals adhere to those surfaces worse than e.g. on plastic surfaces. This is, as during induction, a plastic surface can be heated to an activation temperature and therefore the adhesion of the foil seal is improved. In some cases, a plastic surface can even be partially melted, depending on the melting temperature of the respective plastic, during induction and thus, an unevenness of the surface can be equaled. The activation temperature and particularly the softening temperature or melting temperature of glasses, ceramics and glass-ceramics is much higher and typically is not reached during induction sealing. Thus, the glass, ceramics and/or glass-ceramics surface remains unchanged and inactivated, resulting in a weaker adhesion of the foil seal. Further, such glass, ceramics and/or glass-ceramics containers, such as bottles, have significant tolerances in their neck dimensions which creates challenges for the design of closures and seals.

However, using foil seals and in particular metal-based foil seals on containers is oftentimes desirable, as the metal layer of the foil seal has excellent sealing properties inter alia with regard to gas-tightness, protection against ingress of oxygen, aroma preservation, and longevity. Specific applications would be containers for liquid products, such medical products (inter alia cough syrup, eye drops, nose drops, vaccines, antibiotics, infusion solutions, saline solutions, blood and plasma reserves), chemicals, cosmetic products, foods (inter alia beverages, dairy products, vinegar, oil, ketchup), paints, varnishes, glues and/or the like. Further sealed containers for solid products could be provided, such medical products (inter alia lyophilizates), nutritional supplements, chemicals, cosmetic products, foods (inter alia beverage granules, such as for coffee, ice tea, and/or the like, soup granules and/or the like), pigments, and/or the like.

Thus, there is a need in the art to improve the sealing of containers and to provide a reliable sealing that seals the container during various transportation modes and storage conditions. Such sealing should be easy to apply and economical. Further, post filling processes like pasteurization, sterilization or any similar post-treatment of the filled and closed container should be possible, while keeping the received goods reliably sealed. Further, the sealing shall enable accessing the container easily, either manually or automatically.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This is at least partially achieved by a support member for supporting a sealing of a container, by a support system for supporting a sealing of container, by respective containers and by a method for sealing a container, as specified in the independent claims. Particularly, the object is achieved by a support member for supporting a sealing, such as a foil seal, of a container. The container is not limited to any size or shape. For example, the container may be a vial, a cartridge, a bottle, a cup, a well, a tank and/or the like. The container may serve for storing liquids, particularly medical products, cosmetic products, foods, paints, varnishes, glues and/or the like. The container may have a volume of at least 5 ml, 10 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml, 200 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1 l, 1.5 l, 2 l, 5 l, 10 l, 15 l, 25 l, 50 l, 100 l or 200 l, and/or the container may have a volume of at most 5 ml, 10 ml, 30 ml, 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml, 200 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1 l, 1.5 l, 2 l, 5 l, 10 l, 15 l, 25 l. Further, the container may comprise or consist of any suitable material, such as at least one amorphous polymer, particularly glass-like polymers, such as COC and/or COP, glass, ceramic and/or glass ceramic. Thus, the container may in particular be a glass container, a ceramic container, a glass-ceramic container, a COC container or a COP container.

The container may be suited for storing, transporting and/or processing of goods, such as solids (e.g. a powder, a granule and/or the like), liquids, gasses, and/or combinations thereof. A liquid stored in the container to be sealed may be an aqueous liquid or an oil-based liquid. Further the liquid may be a solution, an emulsion and/or a suspension. The viscosity of the stored liquid may be at least 0.2 mPas, 0.5 mPas, 0.9 mPas, 1.1 mPas, 1.3 mPas, 1.5 mPas, 10 mPas, 100 mPas, 1 000 mPas, 10 000 mPas or 100 000 mPas, and/or the viscosity of the stored liquid may be at most 0.5 mPas, 0.9 mPas, 1.1 mPas, 1.3 mPas, 1.5 mPas, 10 mPas, 100 mPas, 1 000 mPas, 10 000 mPas, 100 000 mPas or 150 000 mPas.

The support member comprises an injection moulded support structure wherein the support structure includes a first connecting means adapted for connecting the support member to a corresponding container. The first connecting means may be integrally formed with the support structure or may be provided in form of an insert. For example, the first connecting means may include a threaded connecting means, a snap-lock connecting means, a bayonet-lock connecting means and/or the like.

The support member comprises a first sealing face and an opening for accessing the sealed container when the support member is connected to the container. The first sealing face may be provided in proximity to the opening and may encircle the latter. The opening is a through opening provided in the support structure. Thus, when the support member is installed, i.e. connected to the container, it is possible to access the sealed container through said opening for extracting medium (i.e. stored goods) from the container. For instance, the sealed container could be accessed using a cannula, a riser pipe, and/or the like. Depending on the seal type used, the extraction of medium may lead to a rupture of the seal. Alternatively, it may be possible to extract medium from the container without destroying the seal.

Further, the support member comprises a first elastic member that at least partially covers the first sealing face. The first elastic member is formed from an elastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g. styrenic block copolymers, thermoplastic polyolefin elastomers, thermoplastic vulcanizates, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamides, and/or the like), a silicone or silicone based material, a rubber or rubber based material and/or the like. The elastic material may be medical grade or nutraceutical grade.

The first sealing face is oriented so that the first elastic member is sandwiched and deformed between the first sealing face and the container, when the support member is connected to the container. Thus, when being installed/connected to a sealed container, such as a foil sealed container, the support member and in particular the elastic member urges the seal (particularly the foil seal) onto the container, thereby supporting the seal. The force applied by the support member onto the sealed container is dependent on the first connecting means and the first elastic member and can be adapted application specific.

This allows to provide a more reliable sealing, as the seal, such as a foil seal, is (additionally) held mechanically on the container. Even if crevice corrosion occurs, the sealing does not leak, as it is held mechanically on the container. Further, the sealing can be maintained even under the influence of temperature variations, impact (and resulting increase of internal pressure, e.g. due to the release of carbon dioxide), moisture, and/or the like.

Further, the first elastic member allows to compensate for irregularities (roughness, planarity, dimension tolerances, . . . ) of the container, particularly of a sealing face of the container provided opposite to the first sealing face of the support member. Thus, the quality of the seal can be further increased. Particularly, a high sealing quality for glass-like polymer containers (COC containers, COP containers), glass containers, ceramic containers, glass-ceramic containers can be achieved.

The first elastic member can be shaped and designed so as to provide an additional caulking of the first elastic member with the container. Particularly, the outer dimension (e.g. the outer diameter) of the elastic member can be chosen to be larger than the outer dimension of a foil seal. Thus, the first elastic member may directly contact the container and provide for an additional sealing.

As the support member supports the foil seal, the sealed container is able to withstand higher internal pressure without leaking. Thus, the container can be processed with higher temperatures, rendering post filling processes like pasteurization, sterilization or any similar temperature related post-filling processes possible. Further, carbonized liquids, particularly carbonized beverages, or any other liquid ingredients, which may release gas and thereby may cause a pressure increase in the container, can be reliably stored and transported.

The support structure may comprise a second connecting means associated with the opening and being adapted for connecting the support member to a cover member for covering the opening and/or an accessing member that is adapted for providing access to the sealed container through the opening, e.g. for extracting the stored medium.

The second connecting means may be integrally formed with the support structure or may be provided in form of an insert. An insert may be at least partially overmolded in an injection molding process, or otherwise be attached to the support structure, e.g. by means of an adhesive, by form fit or positive locking. For example, the second connecting means may include a threaded connecting means, a snap-lock connecting means, a bayonet-lock connecting means and/or the like. The cover member and/or accessing member then includes a respective corresponding connecting means.

When being connected to a cover member, the cover member covers the opening of the support member and thus provides a protection for the sealed container and in particular for the seal, such as a foil seal, of the container. The cover member may be formed from a thermoplastic or any other suitable material. Further, the cover member may provide a piercing protection for the seal of the container. Further, the cover member may include piercing means, such as a cutting ring, that piercingly engages with the seal of the container, when the cover member is removed from the support member. Further, the piercing means may be suited to not only pierce the seal of the container but also to at least partially remove the seal. After removal of the cover member, the medium stored in the container may be directly extractable, without the need of an extra step of removing, piercing or tearing the seal.

The accessing member may be adapted to open the sealed container and/or may provide a dispenser or spout. For opening the sealed container, the accessing member may comprise a piercing means that engages with the seal of the container, when the accessing member is connected to the support member. Thus, after connecting the accessing member, the medium stored in container may be directly extractable, without the need of an extra step of removing, piercing or tearing the seal. Further the piercing means of the accessing member may be movably supported by the accessing member so as to be movable from an initial location to a piercing location, wherein the piercing means pierces the seal of a sealed container, when being moved into the piercing location.

The accessing member may be integrated into a dispensing device that automatically extracts the medium from the sealed container, such as a beverage dispenser disinfection dispenser, a soap dispenser and/or the like. The accessing member may be a single-member or a multi-use member. When being integrated into a dispensing device, the support member serves as an adaptor between the container and the dispensing device.

Generally, in case the support member includes first and second connecting means, the support member may serve as an adaptor that provides a modular interface between the sealed container and any kind of further unit, such as a cover member and/or an accessing member. Thus, the further unit that is connected to the support member can be exchanged. For example, a cover member may be provided for storage and transportation and can then be exchanged by an accessing member for extracting the stored medium.

Further, container may comprise an outlet, wherein the outlet is to be sealed. The outlet of the container may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, a polygonal shape and/or any other suitable shape. The opening of the support structure that is associated with the second connecting means may have a different shape and/or different dimensions. Thus, the support member may also serve as an adaptor for sealingly connecting a container having an outlet with a first cross-sectional shape and dimension with a further unit to be connected to the second connecting means. Depending on the further unit to be connected, the second connecting means and in particularly the opening the second connecting means is associated with, may have a different cross-sectional shape and/or different dimensions. For example, a rectangular outlet of a container can thus be provided—via the adaptor—with a threaded and therefore circular second connecting means.

Further, the further unit can be removed for or connected only after a post-processing step of the sealed container. Thus, for example sterilization is facilitated, as the potentially complex geometry of e.g. an accessing member can be sterilized separately with suitable methods. Additionally, as the further unit can be removed for or connected only after a post-processing step, the further unit is less prone to being damaged or destroyed during those steps (e.g. due to different thermal behavior of different materials during sterilization).

The support member may further comprise a second sealing face and a second elastic member, wherein the second elastic member at least partially covers the second sealing face. The second sealing face may be oriented so that the second elastic member provides a seal between the support structure and the cover member and/or between the support structure and the accessing member, when the support member is connected to the cover member and/or the accessing member. Alternatively, the second elastic member may be part of the cover member and/or the accessing member. Further, the cover member and/or the accessing member may comprise an additional elastic member.

The second elastic member is formed from an elastic material, such as a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g. styrenic block copolymers, thermoplastic polyolefinelastomers, thermoplastic vulcanizates, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic copolyester, thermoplastic polyamides, and/or the like), a silicone or silicone based material, a rubber or rubber based material and/or the like. The elastic material may be medical grade or nutraceutical grade.

The second elastic member allows to compensate for irregularities (roughness, planarity, dimension tolerances, . . . ) of the second sealing face of the support member and/or a corresponding sealing face of the cover member and/or the accessing member provided opposite to the second sealing face of the support member. Thus, the quality of the seal can be increased.

The first sealing face and/or second sealing face may include a protruding pattern. This allows to increase the adhesion of the first and/or second elastic member on the respective sealing face. Particularly, an off-peeling, delamination and/or undesired shifting or deformation of the respective elastic member can be effectively prevented.

The protruding pattern may include ribs, nubs, dimples and/or the like. The support member may be formed by a multi-K injection moulding process, such as a 2-K injection moulding process. Particularly, the support structure may be formed from a first material and the first and/or second elastic member may be formed from a second material being different than the first material. Further the material of the first and second elastic member may be different. The first material is a thermoplastic material and may be chosen from the group of PE, PP, PA, PTFE, PTE, PS, PC and/or the like. Particularly, the first material may be medical grade or nutraceutical grade. The second material may be any elastic material, as specified above.

Particularly, the first and second elastic members may be integrally formed, i.e. they may comprise a common sprue point. With using a multi-K injection moulding process and in particular with using a common sprue point for the first and second elastic members, the support member can be manufactured cost effective. For example, a step of inserting elastic members is thus superfluous.

Further, the first and/or second elastic member may be separate members, that are adapted to be arranged on the first and/or second sealing face, respectively. Particularly, the first and/or second elastic member may be secured on the first and/or second sealing face by form fit or positive locking, and/or an adhesive. Further, the first and/or second elastic member may be adhered with a melt-adhesive and/or may consist of a melt-adhesive.

Further, the first and/or second elastic member may be provided as an insert that is at least partially overmolded during an injection molding process. Further, at least one further insert can be provided, such as a metal insert. Such further insert allows e.g. to increase the stability and/or stiffness of the support structure, particularly in an axial direction. This leads to an increased shelf-life and may compensate for a loss of stability of the plastic material of the support structure. Further, an elastic insert could be provided to enhance flexibility, where needed.

Any combination of multi-K injection moulding process, overmolding inserts in an injection molding process and/or providing the first and/or second elastic member as separate members is possible.

Further, the support structure of the support member may comprise a receptacle for receiving a sealing member. This sealing member may be a foil seal or any other suitable sealing type. The receptacle is arranged so that a received sealing member covers the opening of the support structure and is sandwiched between the first elastic member and the container, when the support member is connected to the container, thereby sealing the container. Alternatively, the sealing member may be integrally formed with the first and/or second elastic member.

The sealing member may be suited to seal an outlet of a container having any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, a polygonal shape and/or any other suitable shape. Likewise, the sealing member may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, a polygonal shape and/or any other suitable shape.

The outlet of the container and/or the sealing member may have an equivalent diameter of at least 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 50 cm or 70 cm, and/or having a diameter of at most 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 50 cm or 70 cm. The equivalent diameter is the largest diameter that can be inscribed in the respective shape, i.e. the cross-sectional shape of the outlet, or the shape of the sealing member.

Providing a receptacle for receiving a sealing member allows to integrate e.g. a foil seal in the support member for subsequent joint application to the container, particularly, before an induction process. This allows exact positioning of the sealing member and leads to a reduction of reject rates. Further, the manufacturing time can be reduced.

Further, the sealing member may be provided as an alternative or in addition to a foil seal and may be an elastomeric seal, which may be integrally formed with the first and/or second elastic member. Said elastomeric seal may keep the container sealed even after extraction of medium and/or rupture of an additional foil seal. Thus, contamination of the stored medium can be prevented, even after a portion of the medium has been extracted from the container.

The first connecting means and/or the second connecting means may be one of a threaded connecting means, a snap-lock connecting means or a bayonet-lock connecting means. Particularly snap-lock connecting means allow for a fast installation and are less prone to undesired shifting of the first and/or second elastic member. Further, snap-lock connecting means are not bound to a circular shape but can be used for connecting containers, support members and further units of any shape.

For example, if the first connecting means is a snap lock connecting means, said snap lock connecting means may comprise at least one inwardly facing latching protrusion that is adapted to engage with a corresponding outwardly facing latching protrusion of the container. In other words, the container may comprise a corresponding first connecting means, adapted for being connected to the first connecting means of the support structure. The first connecting means may include a single latching protrusion, e.g. formed as a latching collar. Alternatively, the support structure may have multiple latching protrusions, each provided on a respective latching arm, wherein the latching arms may be circumferentially distributed around the support structure.

A threaded connecting means as well as a bayonet-lock connecting means allow for an initial positioning of the support member and to tighten the connection at a later point in time. Generally, the support member is considered to be connected to the container and/or the further unit when the connecting means is fully coupled (e.g. when a thread is firmly tightened).

The support member may further comprise a first rotation lock element, wherein said rotation lock element is adapted to engage with a corresponding rotation lock element of the container. Thereby the support member can be prevented from rotating relative to the container, when being properly connected to the container. Particularly, a clockwise and/or counterclockwise rotation can be prevented. Thus, a desired angular orientation of the support member on the container can be ensured. Further, in combination with a threaded connecting means or a bayonet-lock connecting means, the support member can be secured on the container to prevent an unintended opening or use. Still further, the first rotation lock element may prevent an overwinding of the support member on the container and thus a weakening of the seal and/or connection can be prevented.

Likewise, the support member may comprise a second rotation lock element wherein said second rotation lock element is adapted to engage with a corresponding second rotation lock element of a cover member and/or an accessing member. Thereby, the support member can be prevented from rotating relative to the cover member and/or the accessing member, when being connected to the cover member and/or the accessing member. Thus, a desired angular orientation of the support member relative to the cover member and/or an accessing member can be ensured. Further, in combination with a threaded connecting means or a bayonet-lock connecting means, the support member can be secured on the cover member and/or accessing member to prevent an unintended opening or use. Still further, the second rotation lock element may prevent an overwinding of the support member on the cover member and/or an accessing member and thus a weakening of the seal and/or connection.

The support member may further be adapted to provide an inseparable connection between the support member and the container and/or between the support member and a cover member and/or an accessing member.

For example, when a threaded connecting means or a bayonet connecting means is used as a first connecting means, the first rotation lock element may provide for the inseparable connection between the support member and the container. For instance, the first rotation lock element may comprise at least one stop face that is adapted to contact a stop face of a corresponding first rotation lock element of the container. The contact of the stop faces may ensure that the support member cannot be separated, without destroying the support member and/or the container. Further, when a threaded connecting means or a bayonet connecting means is used as a second connecting means, the second rotation lock element may provide an inseparable connection between the support member and the further unit. For example, the second rotation lock element may comprise at least one stop face that is adapted to contact a stop face of a corresponding second rotation lock element. The contact of the stop faces may ensure, that the further unit cannot be separated, without destroying the support member and/or the further unit.

Further, in case the first connecting means is a snap lock connecting means, an inseparable connection between the support member and the container can be provided by dimensioning a deflection force, required for snap-locking the latching protrusion. Particularly, the latching collar, and/or the at least one latching arm may be dimensioned and formed so as to provide a desired deflection force. Further, the snap lock connecting means may be provided with a breaking point, leading to a destruction of the support member, when being separated from the container. Further, the support member may comprise a position assurance member, that can be arranged on the support structure, so as to substantially prevent a deflection of the latching protrusion(s) of the first connecting means, after the first connecting means being connected to a corresponding first connecting means of the container. Thereby, the support member and the container can be inseparably connected.

Likewise, in case the second connecting means is a snap lock connecting means, an inseparable connection between the support member and the further unit can be provided by dimensioning a deflection force, required for snap-locking the latching protrusion. This can be achieved by dimensioning the second snap lock connecting means to provide a desired deflection force, by providing a breaking point and/or by providing a position assurance member associated with the second connecting means, preventing a deflection of the respective snap lock connecting means.

Further, the support member may comprise a first tamper-evident means, such as a tamper-evident band, indicating that the support member was separated from the container after having been positioned on the container. Thus, the integrity of the sealed container can be ensured, respectively verified. Further, the support member and/or the further unit may comprise a second tamper-evident means, such as a tamper-evident band, indicating that the support member and the further unit were separated from each other after having been connected. Thus, the integrity of the connected further unit can be ensured, respectively verified.

Further, the support member may comprise a piercing member, wherein the piercing member may be movably supported by the support structure so as to be movable from an initial location to a piercing location, wherein piercing member pierces a seal of a sealed container and/or a sealing member of the support member, when being moved into the piercing location. Thus, the sealed container can be easily opened, and the stored medium can be accessed and extracted.

Further, the object is achieved by a support system for supporting a sealing of a liquid filled container. Said system comprises a support member, wherein the support member may be designed and shaped as described above. Further, the system comprises a seal, such as a foil seal, wherein the seal is adapted to be sealingly attached to an outlet of a container. Said seal may comprise a metal layer and/or a metal foil, such as an aluminum layer/foil. Further, the foil seal may comprise at least one additional layer, such as a protective varnish layer, an extrusion coating, a PET-layer, a polyolefin foam layer, a primer layer, an adhesive layer and/or any combination thereof. Particularly a layer may be provided, such as a polyolefin foam layer, that increases the stiffness of the foil seal, thereby facilitating cutting, embossing, punching and/or stamping the foil seal. Further, the seal may be adapted to be applied by means of induction heating.

The seal may be suited to seal an outlet of a container, having any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, a polygonal shape and/or any other suitable shape. Likewise, the seal (and particularly the foil seal) may have a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, a square shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, a polygonal shape and/or any other suitable shape. The outlet of the container and/or the seal (and particularly the foil seal) may have an equivalent diameter of at least 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 50 cm or 70 cm, and/or having a diameter of at most 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, 2.5 cm, 4.5 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 12 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 50 cm or 70 cm.

The support member of the system is adapted to be connected to the container by means of the first connecting means so that the seal is urged by means of the first elastic member towards the container. The system is able to achieve the advantages presented above.

Further, the system may comprise a cover member for covering the opening of the support structure of the support member and/or an accessing member that is adapted for providing access to the sealed container through the opening of the support structure of the support member. The cover member and the accessing member may be designed and shaped as described above and thus, the advantages outline above can be achieved.

The system may comprise a container, wherein the container is adapted to be connected to the support member and wherein the container is optionally selected from the group of a glass container, a ceramic container, a glass-ceramic container, a container of amorphous plastic and/or glass like plastic, such as a COC container, a COP container, and/or the like. Those containers, and in particular glass containers, are recyclable or even reusable. Still further, those containers, particularly glass containers, ceramic containers and glass-ceramic containers provide a substantially inert surface for storing, transporting and/or processing the goods. Glass containers, COC containers and COP containers provide for an excellent transparency and optical appearance.

Still further, the object is achieved by a container that is adapted to be used in a system, as described above. The container may be selected from the group of a glass container, a ceramic container, a glass-ceramic container, a container of amorphous plastic and/or glass like plastic, such as a COC container, a COP container, and/or the like.

Generally, said container comprises a connecting means adapted for being connected to the first connecting means of a support member and a sealing face arranged opposite to the first sealing face of the support structure of the support member, when the support member is connected to the container.

The sealing face of the container serves for engaging with a sealing member, such as a seal and/or the first elastic element of the support member. In particular, the sealing face of the container serves for adhering a seal, such as a foil seal or a sealing member to the container, for sealing the container. The seal or sealing member may be adhered to the sealing face of the container by means of induction heating. Further, the sealing face of the container may be pretreated with an adhesion promoter for improving adhesion between a seal and/or a sealing member.

Particularly, the sealing of the container can be improved by applying an adhesion promoter, wherein the adhesion promoter is typically applied after the forming and tempering the container. The adhesion promoter may be chosen from the group of AP 5, Tecseal, T5, T100, OG25, Volan, Quilon, Zinc Chloride, RP40 (LT), Pyrosil, DFE, and the like. The adhesion promoter can be applied by spraying, rolling, dabbing, bathing, pressing, gluing, painting, brushing, flaming, firing, stoving or otherwise. By connecting the support member to the container, the sealing is further improved, as the support member and in particular the first elastic member urges the seal or the sealing member onto the container, thereby supporting the sealing. The container may further comprise a corresponding rotation lock element, that is adapted to engage with the first rotation lock element of the support structure of the support member thereby preventing a connected support member from rotating relative to the container. Thus, a desired angular orientation of the support member on the container can be ensured. Further, in combination with a threaded connecting means or a bayonet-lock connecting means, the support member can be secured on the container to prevent an unintended opening or use. Still further, the first rotation lock element may prevent an overwinding of the support member on the container and thus a weakening of the seal and/or connection can be prevented.

The object is also achieved by a sealed container, comprising a container and a support system as described above. The container is connected to the support member and a sealing member of the support member and/or a seal of the support system, particularly a foil seal, is urged by means of the first elastic member towards the container. With the sealed container, the advantageous effects described above, can be achieved.

Further, the object is achieved by a method for sealing a container, wherein the method comprises the steps of

-   -   optionally pre-treating a sealing face of the container with an         adhesion promoter, filling the container with a liquid medium,     -   optionally sealing the container with a seal, such as a foil         seal, connecting the container with a support member by means of         first connecting means, so that the first elastic member is         sandwiched and deformed between the first sealing face and the         container, thereby sealing the container;     -   optionally post processing the filled and sealed container, and     -   further optionally, connecting the support member with a cover         member and/or an accessing member by means of a second         connecting means of the support structure of the support member.

According to the method, a reliably sealed container can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES

In the following, the accompanying figures are briefly described, wherein

FIG. 1 is a schematic cut view of a sealed container;

FIG. 2 is a schematic detailed view cut view of a support member being connected to a container;

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective top view of a support member;

FIG. 3B is a schematic perspective top view of a further support member;

FIG. 3C is a schematic perspective bottom view of the support member shown in FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a container,

FIG. 5 is a further schematic cut view of a sealed container, and

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method for sealing a container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a schematic cut view of a sealed container 200, such as a glass container, a ceramic container, a glass-ceramic container, a container of an amorphous plastics and/or glass like plastics, such as a COC container and/or a COP container. This container may be filled with any goods, such as solids, liquids and/or gasses (not shown). The sealed container 200 comprising a container 200 and a support system 10, comprising a support member 100 and a foil seal 400. The foil seal 400 is sealingly attached to an outlet 216 of the container 200, particularly to a sealing face 214 of the container. Thereby providing a first sealing. The sealing face 214 of the container may optionally be pretreated with an adhesion promoter for improving adhesion between the seal 40 o and/or a sealing member (not shown) of the support member 100. The outlet, as well as the foil seal 400 may have a circular shape, or any other suitable shape.

The support member 100 is connected to the container 200 by means of a first connecting means 112 a so that the seal 400, which may be a foil seal, is urged by means of a first elastic member 120 towards the container 200.

The support member 100 supports the sealing of the container 200 and comprises an injection moulded support structure 110. The support structure 110 includes the first connecting means 112 a which connects the support member 100 to the container 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first connecting means 112 a is a snap-lock connecting means. Said snap lock connecting means 112 a comprises at least one inwardly facing latching protrusion that engages with a corresponding outwardly facing latching protrusion of the container. In other words, the container 200 comprises a corresponding connecting means 212 a, adapted for being connected to the first connecting means 112 a of a support member 100.

The support structure 110 may have a single latching protrusion formed as a latching collar. Alternatively, the support structure 110 may have multiple latching protrusions, each provided on a respective latching arm, wherein the latching arms may be circumferentially distributed around the support structure. Typically, the corresponding connecting means 212 a is formed as a latching collar, that surrounds a neck portion or outlet 216 of the container 200.

Further, the support structure 110 comprises a first sealing face 114 and an opening 116 for accessing the sealed container 200 when the support member 100 is connected to the container 200. The support member 100 further comprises the first elastic member 120. The first elastic member 120 at least partially covers the first sealing face 114. The first sealing face 114 is oriented so that the first elastic member 120 is sandwiched and deformed between the first sealing face 114 and the container 200. Due to this deformation, the foil seal 400 is urged towards the container 200. Thus, the sealing is supported.

Further, the support member 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a second connecting means 118 associated with the opening 116 and being adapted for connecting the support member 100 to a cover member for covering the opening 116 and/or an accessing member 300 that is adapted for providing access to the sealed container 200 through the opening 116. This is shown in FIG. 2. The second connecting means 118 is formed as a latching collar provided on an outer circumferential portion of the support structure. In an alternative embodiment, the second connecting means may include a threaded connecting means or a bayonet-lock connecting means.

Further, the support structure 110 comprises a second sealing face 119. A second elastic member 122 of the support member 100 at least partially covers the second sealing face 119 and is adapted to provide a sealing between the support member 100 and a further unit, such as a cover member and/or an accessing member 300.

FIG. 2 is a schematic detailed view cut view of a support member 100 and the container as shown in FIG. 1. The support member 100 is adapted to be connected to the container 200 and to a further unit, such as an accessing member 300. Thus, the support member 100 serves as an adaptor between the container 200 and the further unit 300. Particularly, the support member 100 provides a tightly sealed connection between the container 200 and the further unit 300.

The support member 100 comprises a second connecting means 118 associated with the opening 116 of the support structure 110. In FIG. 2, the second connecting means 118 connects the support member 100 to a further unit, such as a cover member or an accessing member 300 that is adapted for providing access to the sealed container 200 through the opening 116. Here, the second connecting means 118 is formed as a latching collar provided on an outer circumferential portion of the support structure 110. The accessing member 300 comprises a corresponding connecting means 318, which is also formed as a latching collar and adapted to engage with the latching collar of the second connecting means 118. The second sealing face 119 of the support structure 110 is oriented so that the second elastic member 122 provides a seal between the support structure 110 and the further unit, particularly a sealing face 319 of the further unit 300. Due to the snap-lock connection, the second elastic member 122 is deformed and provides for a tight sealing between the support member 100 and the further unit 300.

FIG. 3A is a schematic perspective top view of a further support member 100′. The support member 100′ comprises first connecting means (s. FIG. 3C) being a threaded connecting means and a second connecting means 118, being a snap lock connecting means. Thus, the support member 100′ can serve as an adaptor for providing a tightly sealed connection between a container 200 and a further unit, such as a cover member and/or an accessing member 300.

The support member 100′ comprises a first elastic element 120 and a second elastic element 122, as described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2. The support member 100′ is formed by a multi-K injection moulding process, wherein the support structure 110, is formed from a first material, and wherein the first and second elastic members 120, 122 are formed from a second material, being different than the first material. The first and second elastic members 120, 122 are integrally formed and have a common sprue point 124.

Further, the support structure 110 may have enforcement ribs 140. Those enforcement ribs allow to reduce the overall wall thickness of the support structure 110 and thus, shrinking marks can be effectively reduced or even avoided.

FIG. 3B is a schematic perspective top view of a further support member 100″ and FIG. 3C is a schematic perspective bottom view of said support member shown 100″. As the support member shown in FIG. 3A, the support member 100″ comprises first connecting means 112 a being a threaded connecting means and a second connecting means 118, being a snap lock connecting means. Thus, the support member 100″ can serve as an adaptor for providing a tightly sealed connection between a container 200 and a further unit, such as a cover member and/or an accessing member 300. Further, the support member 100″ may also be formed by a multi-K injection moulding process, wherein first and second elastic members 120, 122 are integrally formed and have a common sprue point 124.

The support member 100′ and 100″ further comprises a first rotation lock element 150, wherein said rotation lock element 150 is adapted to engage with a corresponding rotation lock element 250 of the container 200 (cf. FIG. 4). Thereby the support member 100′, 100″ is prevented from rotating relative to the container 200, when being properly connected to the container 200. Here, the rotation lock element 150 is provided in a wedge shape at the end of the threaded connecting means 112 b. When being completely screwed onto the corresponding threaded connecting means 212 b, the wedge-shaped rotation lock element 150 slides past the corresponding rotation lock element 250 and the support member 100′, 100″ is prevented from rotating relative to the container 200. Thus, a desired angular orientation of the support member 100 on the container 200 can be ensured. Further, the support member is secured on the container to prevent an unintended opening or use. Still further, the first rotation lock element 150 prevents an overwinding of the support member 100 on the container 200 and thus a weakening of the seal and/or connection can be prevented. Further, there can be a tactile and/or acoustic feedback, when the wedge-shaped rotation lock element 150 slides past the corresponding rotation lock element 250. Thus, a proper connection between the support member 100 on the container 200 can be ensured.

Optionally, the support member 100″ may comprise a second rotation lock element 160 wherein said second rotation lock element 160 is adapted to engage with a corresponding second rotation lock element of a cover member and/or an accessing member. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the second rotation lock element 160 comprises a rip-structure and the corresponding second rotation lock element (not shown) is provided as a counter-shaped rip-structure at the related further unit (closure member, accessing member, . . . ). Here, the second rotation lock element is provided visibly. In case, the second rotation lock element shall be invisible, it can be provided within the latching collar and thus would be entirely covered, after the support member is connected to the respective further unit.

Due to the second rotation lock element 160, the support member 100″ can be prevented from rotating relative to the further unit (cover member and/or accessing member 300), when being connected to the respective further unit. Thus, a desired angular orientation of the support member relative to the respective further unit can be ensured.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a container 200 to be used in a system 10. The container comprises a connecting means 212 b adapted for being connected to the first connecting means 212 b of a support member 100′, 100″ (cf. FIG. 3A to 3C). Further, the container 200 comprises a sealing face 214 arranged opposite to the first sealing face 114 of the support structure 110 of the support member 100, 100′, 100″, when the support member is connected to the container 200. The sealing face 214 of the container may be pretreated with an adhesion promoter for improving adhesion between a seal 400 (cf. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

Further the container comprises a corresponding rotation lock element 250, that is adapted to engage with a rotation lock element 150 of the support structure 110 of the support member 100′, 100″. Here the rotation lock element 250 is provided in a wedge shape at the end of the threaded connecting means 212 b. When the support member 100″ is completely screwed onto the corresponding threaded connecting means 212 b, the wedge-shaped rotation lock element 150 slides past the wedge-shaped corresponding rotation lock element 250 and the support member 100′, 100″ is prevented from rotating relative to the container 200.

FIG. 5 is a further schematic cut view of a sealed container 200′. The container 200′ is connected to a support member 100′, as shown in FIG. 3A. Said support member 100′ comprises a receptacle for receiving a sealing member 130. Here, the sealing member 130 that is received within the receptacle covers the opening 116 of the support structure 110. The sealing member 130 is integrally formed with the first elastic member 120.

The support member 100′ is connected to the container 200′ by means of a connecting means 112 b that threadedly engages with a corresponding second connecting means 212 b of the container 200′, so that the sealing member 130 which is integrally formed with the first elastic member 120 is urged towards the container 200′. Thus, the sealing member 130 is sealingly attached to an outlet 216 of the container 200′, particularly to a sealing face 214 of the container 200′, thereby providing a first sealing. Here, pretreating the sealing face 214 of the container 200′ with an adhesion promoter can be omitted, as the sealing member 130 provides for a sufficient sealing.

As shown in the A-A cut view of FIG. 5, the support member 100′ includes a first wedge-shaped rotation lock element 150. This first rotation lock element 150 engages with a corresponding wedge-shaped rotation lock element 250 of the container 200′. Each of the wedge-shaped rotation lock element 150 and the corresponding wedge-shaped rotation lock element 250 provide for a stop face 151, 251, that come into contact with each other. This contact prevents the support member 100′ from being rotated relative to the container 200′ in direction opposite to the screwing direction and provides an inseparable connection between the support member 100′ and the container 200′.

Thus, it can be ensured that the support member 100′ is not unscrewed and remains connected to the container 200′.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a method 500 for sealing a container. The method 500 comprises the steps of

-   -   optionally pre-treating 510 a sealing face 214 of the container         200 with an adhesion promoter,     -   filling 520 the container 200 with a liquid medium,     -   optionally sealing 530 the container with a seal 400, such as a         foil seal,     -   connecting 540 the container 200 with a support member 100 by         means of first connecting means 112 a; 112 b, so that the first         elastic member 120 is sandwiched and deformed between the first         sealing face 114 and the container 200, thereby sealing the         container 200;     -   optionally post processing 550 the filled and sealed container         200, and     -   further optionally, connecting 560 the support member 100 with a         cover member and/or an accessing member 300 by means of a second         connecting means of the support structure 110 of the support         member 100.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   10 system -   100 support member -   100′ support member -   100″ support member -   110 support structure -   112 a first connecting means -   112 b first connecting means -   114 first sealing face -   116 opening -   118 second connecting means -   119 second sealing face -   120 first elastic member -   122 second elastic member -   124 sprue point -   130 sealing member -   140 enforcement rib -   150 first rotation lock element -   151 stop face -   160 second rotation lock elements -   200 container -   200′ container -   212 a corresponding connecting means -   212 b corresponding connecting means -   214 sealing face -   216 outlet -   250 rotation lock element -   251 stop face -   300 accessing member -   318 corresponding connecting means -   319 corresponding sealing face -   400 seal -   500 method -   510 pre-treating -   520 filling -   530 sealing -   540 connecting -   550 post processing -   560 connecting 

1. A support member for supporting a sealing of a container, wherein the support member comprises an injection moulded support structure, which comprises: a first connecting means adapted for connecting the support member to a corresponding container, a first sealing face, and an opening for accessing the sealed container when the support member is connected to the container; the support member further comprising a first elastic member, wherein the first elastic member at least partially covers the first sealing face, and wherein the first sealing face is oriented so that the first elastic member is sandwiched and deformed between the first sealing face and the container, when the support member is connected to the container.
 2. The support member according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a second connecting means associated with the opening and being adapted for connecting the support member to a cover member for covering the opening and/or an accessing member that is adapted for providing access to the sealed container through the opening.
 3. The support member according to claim 2, wherein the support structure comprises a second sealing face, and wherein the support member further comprises a second elastic member, wherein the second elastic member at least partially covers the second sealing face, and wherein the second sealing face is oriented so that the second elastic member provides a seal between the support structure and the cover member and/or between the support structure and the accessing member, when the support member is connected to the cover member and/or the accessing member.
 4. The support member according to claim 1, wherein the first sealing face includes a protruding pattern.
 5. The support member according to claim 1, wherein the support member is formed by a multi-K injection moulding process, wherein the support structure, is formed from a first material, wherein the first elastic member is formed from a second material being different than the first material.
 6. The support member according to claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises a receptacle for receiving a sealing member, and wherein the receptacle is arranged so that a received sealing member covers the opening and is sandwiched between the first elastic member and the container, when the support member is connected to the container, thereby sealing the container, or wherein the sealing member is integrally formed with the first elastic member.
 7. The support member according to claim 1, wherein the first connecting means is a threaded connecting means, a snap-lock connecting means or a bayonet-lock connecting means.
 8. The support member according to claim 1, which further comprises: a first rotation lock element, wherein said first rotation lock element is adapted to engage with a corresponding rotation lock element of the container, thereby preventing the support member from rotating relative to the container, when being connected to the container, and/or a second rotation lock element wherein said second rotation lock element is adapted to engage with a corresponding second rotation lock element of a cover member and/or an accessing member, thereby preventing the support member from rotating relative to the cover member and/or the accessing member, when being connected to the cover member and/or the accessing member.
 9. The support member of claim 1, wherein the support member is adapted to provide an inseparable connection between the support member and the container, and/or between the support member and a cover member and/or an accessing member.
 10. The support member according to claim 1, further comprising a piercing member, wherein the piercing member is movably supported by the support structure so as to be movable from an initial location to a piercing location, wherein piercing member pierces a seal of a sealed container and/or a sealing member of the support member, when being moved into the piercing location.
 11. A support system for supporting a sealing of a liquid filled container, the system comprising a support member according to claim 1 and a seal, wherein the seal is adapted to be sealingly attached to an outlet of a container, and wherein the support member is adapted to be connected to the container by means of the first connecting means so that the seal is urged by means of the first elastic member towards the container.
 12. The support system according to claim 11, further comprising a cover member for covering the opening of the support structure of the support member and/or an accessing member that is adapted for providing access to the sealed container through the opening of the support structure of the support member.
 13. The support system according to claim 11, further comprising a container, wherein the container is adapted to be connected to the support member and wherein the container is optionally selected from a glass container, a ceramic container, a glass-ceramic container, and a container of amorphous plastic and/or glass like plastic.
 14. A container adapted to be part of a system according to claim 11, wherein the container comprises a connecting means adapted for being connected to the first connecting means of the support member, and a sealing face arranged opposite to the first sealing face of the support structure of the support member, when the support member is connected to the container, and wherein the sealing face of the container is optionally pretreated with an adhesion promoter for improving adhesion between a seal and/or a sealing member of the support member.
 15. The container according to claim 14, further comprising a corresponding rotation lock element, that is adapted to engage with a rotation lock element of the support structure of the support member, thereby preventing a connected support member from rotating relative to the container.
 16. The container according to claim 14, wherein the container is a glass container, a ceramic container, a glass-ceramic container, and a container of amorphous plastic and/or glass like plastic.
 17. A sealed container, comprising a container and a support system according to claim 11, wherein the container is connected to the support member and wherein a sealing member of the support member and/or a seal of the support system, is urged by means of the first elastic member towards the container.
 18. A method for sealing a container wherein the method comprises the steps of optionally pre-treating a sealing face of the container with an adhesion promoter, filling the container with a liquid medium, optionally sealing the container with a seal, connecting the container with a support member by means of first connecting means, so that the first elastic member is sandwiched and deformed between the first sealing face and the container, thereby sealing the container; optionally post processing the filled and sealed container, and further optionally, connecting the support member with a cover member and/or an accessing member by means of a second connecting means of the support structure of the support member.
 19. The support member according to claim 3, wherein the support member is formed by a multi-K injection moulding process, wherein the support structure, is formed from a first material, wherein the first and/or second elastic member is formed from a second material being different than the first material, and wherein the first and second elastic member is optionally integrally formed. 